"I love quirky little joints like this! Loved that there was parking available and I didn’t have to pay or download and app. First experience walking in was a wow factor. It’s so vibrant, fun, artsy and unique. The whole esthetic keeps you entertained the entire dining experience. The host, a tall thin man was very friendly and kind. FINALLY staff with personality! Our server was a shaved head tatted guy and I wanted to give him the BIGGEST props. I have 20 years serving experience and I’m so proud thankful and sadly surprised what a great experience he gave. I couldn’t have been there longer than twenty minutes and I didn’t ask for anything other than my food and water but he checked back the appropriate amount of times, while making eye contact and a kind smile on his face. He was sweet and genuine and everything you want in a server. The food was simple, I left with a full belly, but the service is what made it all worth the while."

"I have been meaning to visit the Ugly Duckling for awhile now. I know many people who have been to it. I invited some co workers to it and I was worried they wouldn't like it. We all enjoyed it. First off, the service was fast. I believe it was less than 10 minutes after we ordered that our food arrived in the order that they were taken. I think that says alot. The food was great. I had the chicken and waffles. It was alot but I was able to get through it. Everyone else had to bag their food. I was super hungry since I got up early and did not eat anything. It is definitely family friendly and they have a big menu. It's a great place to take a date, have family brunch, or meet up some friends. I can't wait to go again."

"Visited late morning on 1 Jan 2026. Yes, it was busy. The kind host/door greeter had us stand along the wall where we waited for about 15 minutes. I’m not necessarily a chicken-n-waffles fanboy BUT the way the dish looked on another patron’s plate; I had to try it. Yeah, I was not disappointed! Belgium waffle was soft, flavorful with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The chicken tenders were ‘slap your momma’ good! They were not over breaded with just enough syrup with the right of spiciness (not spicy at all, imo). Check the pic! My wife ordered the Biscuits-n-gravy. She said it was good. Biscuits were just the right amount of softness to her liking. And according to her, sausage gravy was a divine mixture. The proof is in the pudding, customers were steadily flowing in for breakfast. Lol, I should have placed a to-go order, for real. The Ugly Duckling is on the list, for us, when visiting the Dayton area. Get here like yesterday!"

"The Ugly Duckling in Dayton, Ohio, was in full for Sunday brunch. Standing room only, line spilling onto the sidewalk, and a 30-minute wait just to get a table. The place hums with energy: exposed brick, mismatched chairs, and the smell of coffee and fried chicken in the air. It’s not fancy, but it feels lived-in and welcoming. The staff stood out. The hostess managed the crowd with a smile, buzzing numbers without missing a beat. Our server appeared within seconds of us sitting, water glasses filled, menus down, and ready to take orders, no small feat with every table full. Refills came fast, plates cleared quickly, and every interaction was efficient. They earned every tip. Food arrived hot and fast. The breakfast burrito was generously stuffed: fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, tots, melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla that didn’t disintegrate under the weight. The house-made hot sauce was bright fresh tomatoes and a solid jalapeño kick. A side of sour cream balanced the heat perfectly. My wife’s chicken and waffles were textbook, golden, crisp-fried chicken with a light, seasoned crust, tender inside, stacked by two thick waffles with maple syrup. Portions were hearty, flavors on point. The only downside? A couple of nearby customers were very entitled. One complained loudly about the wait to get seated, another demanded a seat from another guest while she waited and insisted she get sat ahead of others because she needed to take her medication, then didn’t like her option of seating available when it was her turn. Classic entitled energy. But the staff? Unfazed. They nodded, and kept moving. No attitude, no drama just professionalism. Prices were fair. Nothing felt overcharged for the quality and quantity. The Ugly Duckling delivers honest, well-executed comfort food in a high-pressure environment and makes it look easy. Definitely worth a return trip."

"OMMMMGGGGG ‼️FIRST OF ALL‼️ The art, the music, the atmosphere in here is so alive and welcoming! It's small in this restaurant but the decore itself is so fun and the vibes are 10/10!!!! I give the food a 4/5 only because the pancakes were thin and soggy... not what we expected but I guess that's their style of pancakes??? I'm not hating too much because everything else was AWESOME!"